M6 Motorway Snow Storms Leave Drivers Stranded In Lancashire

The M6 motorway was blocked in both directions between junctions 25 and 27 in Lancashire on Friday night when a sudden burst of more than a foot of snow brought drivers to a standstill around 8.30pm, the Highways Agency said.

Many became stuck along the stretch of motorway between Wigan and Standish after struggling to make it up inclines in the treacherous conditions, while a number of accidents including jack-knifed lorries also blocked lanes.

Scores of motorists were forced to spend the night in their cars

The M6, as well as the M56 and M58 which were also blocked, are now all moving again but remain heavily congested with long tailbacks, Lancashire Police said.

Chief Inspector Mike Adamson said: "We realised at about 11pm last night that this was going to be a major incident.

"Some of the drivers and passengers have been stuck for hours - it has been a very difficult night for them.

"We have set up a command centre at Charnock Services, where officers have collected hot drinks and taken them to those who are stuck."

Some of the stranded drivers passed the time with snowball fights and building snowmen, while others abandoned their cars completely.

One man had to be taken to hospital by Lancashire Police after becoming ill in his car while it was stuck.

Lancashire Police also worked with Lancashire Mountain Rescue teams, the Highways Agency and neighbouring force Greater Manchester Police to clear roads and provide welfare assistance to those who were stranded.

The Highway Agency worked throughout the night to clear the routes with snow ploughs.

A spokesman for the agency urged those who had abandoned their cars to return to them as soon as possible.

He said: "The snowfall was very sudden and very heavy - over a foot in some places - causing cars to become stranded.

"But we have managed to get through the traffic and clear most routes to get people moving again.

"We are urging those who have abandoned their cars to collect, all we can do is move them to the side for now but it makes it difficult to clear routes.

"With the rain falling and ice melting onto very cold road surfaces, we are now warning drivers of the danger of ice."

Kevin Collister, who was stuck on the motorway just past the M58 junction heading northbound, told Sky News: "There is absolutely no movement whatsoever on my side of the carriageway, all the snow is squashed down into ice and there are wagons trying to move and sliding sideways.

"It's an absolute nightmare, we've been here for three hours so far. A few people are saying we might be here for the night but we're just hoping we can get through."

Conservative MP for Morecambe & Lunesdale David Morris, who was stuck on the southbound carriageway, told Sky News: "We've ground to a halt on both sides. Nothing is really moving.

"But the emergency services have been fantastic and are doing the best for us, and everyone is in good spirits.

"I've just seen a snowball fight and the man next door to me has built a snowman on top of his car roof - it's very surreal."

The country is now braced for flooding as heavy rain moves in and rising temperatures spark a rapid thaw of the snow and ice that has built up over the last two weeks.

Chris Burton, a forecaster for MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said temperatures could rise to around 8C today before reaching more than 10C in the south tomorrow, followed by wet and windy weather next week.

He said: "Heavy rain will fall across most parts of Britain tonight and into tomorrow morning.

"The worst affected areas will be the west of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, which will see up to an inch of rain overnight.

"Combined with rapid melting snow it brings a risk of localised flooding."

The Met Office currently has ice warnings in place across the UK, with the exception of the south-west of England and Wales, urging drivers and pedestrians to take care.

The Environment Agency warned there is a risk of surface water and river flooding this weekend across England and Wales, particularly in the Midlands and north east England.

A spokesman said: "Emergency teams from the Environment Agency will be out in force throughout the weekend to shore up defences, monitor river levels and clear blockages from watercourses.

"Those in areas at risk should check the Environment Agency website for the latest information - www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood - and sign up for free flood warnings on the Environment Agency's website or by calling the Environment Agency Flood Line on 0845 988 1188."

Meanwhile all flights have been suspended at Leeds Bradford International Airport this morning as a fresh blanket of snow covered most of the Yorkshire region.

A message on the airport's website said: "As a result of adverse weather conditions, flights are currently not operating at Leeds Bradford Airport for a short period.

"Passengers may experience some delays while we clear the snow from the runway.

"We recommend you contact your airline or tour operator and check the status of your flight before arriving at the airport."

Last night North Yorkshire Fire Service said a husband and wife had to be rescued from a snow drift on the North York Moors around 7.30pm after a breakdown company refused to attend.

A spokesman said: "Due to extreme weather conditions a husband and wife had driven into a snow drift and were unable to get out.

"The wife had undergone surgery a week before and they had tried to dig themselves out for over two hours."

The incident happened as a number of routes across the region were reported to be impassable.

North Yorkshire Police said some main roads were blocked by snow and abandoned vehicles including the A59 between Harrogate and Skipton and the B6265 at Rylstone.

Bus services were suspended in a number of towns in West Yorkshire yesterday evening, including in Halifax and Keighley.

The death toll during the recent cold snap, which is in double figures, is thought to have risen further as it was feared a man in his 30s or 40s might have frozen to death after going missing in woodland.

His body was found on Thursday night after four friends went into Newmarket police station in Suffolk reporting that he had not been seen for four days. The men had been searching for him and found him dead in a wooded area.

The death is being treated as unexplained but one theory is he died in the freezing temperatures.

A father died on Thursday when his car skidded into a river just before his wife's vehicle also plunged into the icy water.

BBC employee David Cox, 42, was taking his 11-year-old daughter Tess to school when their Toyota Aygo left the path and crashed into the River Wye in Derbyshire.

Moments behind them in a separate car, a Toyota Rav 4, was his wife Ruth, 39, and son Ioan, nine.

Mrs Cox also lost control as she drove along the bridlepath near the Monsal Trail, north of the A6.

The children and their mother managed to get out of the cars and safely to shore but Mr Cox was unable to escape.

Neighbours tried to save him but it is believed he was trapped for around 40 minutes. He died in hospital,

Other casualties of the cold spell include postman John Bircham, 57, who collapsed soon after he was towed out of a snowdrift in Dulverton, Somerset, last Saturday, and Bernadette Lee, 25, who was found collapsed in the snow in Deal, Kent, on Sunday following a night out.

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A man uses a tractor as he tries to try and keep the roads open in Tanfield, Durham as more snows falls in the UK.

A woman digs her way out after more snow falls today in Tanfield County, Durham.

A woman digs her way out after more snow falls today in Tanfield County, Durham.

A man uses a tractor as he tries to try and keep the roads open in Tanfield, Durham as more snows falls in the UK.

A woman digs her way out after more snow falls today in Tanfield County, Durham.

A woman digs her way out after more snow falls today in Tanfield County, Durham.

Two woman battle through the snow after more snow falls today in Tanfield County Durham.

A man shovels snow after more snow falls today in Tanfield County Durham.

A woman digs her way out after more snow falls today in Tanfield County, Durham.

A man struggles in the snow as he walks past the starters box on the PGA Centenary Course after more snowfall today at Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire. The course will be used for the 2014 Ryder Cup.

A road traffic sign covered in snow and ice at Spring Cottage, Derbyshire as the winter weather continues across the UK.

People struggle in the snow with shovels on a golf course at Gleneagles after more snowfall today in Perthshire.

A man struggles in the snow as he walks past the starters box on the PGA Centenary Course after more snowfall today at Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire. The course will be used for the 2014 Ryder Cup.

A man walks his dog near Auchterarder, Perthshire after heavy snowfall overnight.

Mum Stephanie Koch (right) and daughter Kadie 4 enjoy the snow in Kielder, Northumberland as the winter weather continues across the UK.

Dogs walking in Innerleithen, the Scottish Borders as snow showers hit the East of Scotland.

A car sets off down a snow covered road in the Borders as snow showers hit the East of Scotland.

A snow covered road in Galashiels the Scottish Borders as snow showers hit the East of Scotland.

A horse runs along a snow covered field in the Borders as snow showers hit the East of Scotland.

Sheep look for food in the Scottish Borders as snow showers hit the East of Scotland.

A snow covered road in Galashiels the Scottish Borders as snow showers hit the East of Scotland.

A car sets off down a snow covered road in the Borders as snow showers hit the East of Scotland.

Mum Stephanie Koch (right) and daughter Kadie 4 enjoy the snow in Kielder, Northumberland as the winter weather continues across the UK.

Snow and ice cover Foxton Locks in Market Harborough, Leicestershire as the winter weather continues across the UK

Snow and ice cover Foxton Locks in Market Harborough, Leicestershire as the winter weather continues across the UK

A woman walks a dog through a snow covered Rose Garden at The Arno in Birkenhead, northwest England, on January 21, 2013. Britain is braced for a continuation of the bad weather which has left closed schools and caused transport chaos in recent days, with several weather warnings in place. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLIS (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)

NOTTINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 21: Freddy the Boston Terrier plays in the snow on January 21, 2013 in Nottingham, United Kingdom. The United Kingdom has suffered a weekend of heavy snowfall with many transport routes affected. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

NOTTINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 21: Canada Geese fly from the snow covered banks of the River Trent on January 21, 2013 in Nottingham, United Kingdom. The United Kingdom has suffered a weekend of heavy snowfall with many transport routes affected. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

NOTTINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 21: Wild birds feed on the snow covered banks of the River Trent on January 21, 2013 in Nottingham, United Kingdom. The United Kingdom has suffered a weekend of heavy snowfall with many transport routes affected. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 21: A snowman complete with cigarette and coffee cup is viewed by a squirrel in St James's Park on January 21, 2013 in London, England. The United Kingdom has suffered a weekend of heavy snowfall with many transport routes affected. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

NOTTINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 21: Canada Geese fly from the snow covered banks of the River Trent on January 21, 2013 in Nottingham, United Kingdom. The United Kingdom has suffered a weekend of heavy snowfall with many transport routes affected. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 21: A woman walks on Birdcage Walk as snow falls on January 21, 2013 in London, England. The United Kingdom has suffered a weekend of heavy snowfall with many transport routes affected. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

Models pose around a plastic palm tree in the snow in front of Tower Bridge in central London on January 21, 2013, during a 'pop-up beach resort' promotion on the day that many consider to be the most depressing day of the year. Britain is braced for a continuation of the bad weather which has schools closed and caused transport chaos in recent days, with several weather warnings in place. AFP PHOTO / CARL COURT (Photo credit should read CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images)

A woman walks a dog through a snow covered Rose Garden at The Arno in Birkenhead, northwest England, on January 21, 2013. Britain is braced for a continuation of the bad weather which has left closed schools and caused transport chaos in recent days, with several weather warnings in place. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLIS (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)

People walk a dog through a snow covered Arrowe Park in Birkenhead, northwest England, on January 21, 2013. Britain is braced for a continuation of the bad weather which has left closed schools and caused transport chaos in recent days, with several weather warnings in place. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLIS (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)

A woman walks a dog through a snow covered Rose Garden at The Arno in Birkenhead, northwest England, on January 21, 2013. Britain is braced for a continuation of the bad weather which has left closed schools and caused transport chaos in recent days, with several weather warnings in place. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLIS (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)

NOTTINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 21: Canada Geese fly past the snow covered banks of the River Trent on January 21, 2013 in Nottingham, United Kingdom. The United Kingdom has suffered a weekend of heavy snowfall with many transport routes affected. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 21: A man walks on The Blue Bridge over the partially frozen lake in St James's Park on January 21, 2013 in London, England. The United Kingdom has suffered a weekend of heavy snowfall with many transport routes affected. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

People walk a dog through a snow covered Arrowe Park in Birkenhead, northwest England, on January 21, 2013. Britain is braced for a continuation of the bad weather which has left closed schools and caused transport chaos in recent days, with several weather warnings in place. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLIS (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)

Models in swimwear pose in the snow at a 'pop-up beach resort' promotion in front of Tower Bridge in central London on January 21, 2013. Britain is braced for a continuation of the bad weather which has schools closed and caused transport chaos in recent days, with several weather warnings in place. AFP PHOTO / CARL COURT (Photo credit should read CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images)

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 21: Pigeons look for food in a snowy St James's Park on January 21, 2013 in London, England. The United Kingdom has suffered a weekend of heavy snowfall with many transport routes affected. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 21: Pigeons try to keep out of the snow by resting on a signpost in St James's Park on January 21, 2013 in London, England. The United Kingdom has suffered a weekend of heavy snowfall with many transport routes affected. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 21: A man walks on The Blue Bridge over the partially frozen lake in St James's Park on January 21, 2013 in London, England. The United Kingdom has suffered a weekend of heavy snowfall with many transport routes affected. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 21: Pigeons look for food in a snowy St James's Park on January 21, 2013 in London, England. The United Kingdom has suffered a weekend of heavy snowfall with many transport routes affected. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 21: Snow covers the Guards Memorial on January 21, 2013 in London, England. The United Kingdom has suffered a weekend of heavy snowfall with many transport routes affected. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 21: A message relating to Blue Monday which some claim as statistically the most depressing day of the year is written in snow on a sign board in St James's Park on January 21, 2013 in London, England. The United Kingdom has suffered a weekend of heavy snowfall with many transport routes affected. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 21: A man walks across a snowy Horse Guards Parade on January 21, 2013 in London, England. The United Kingdom has suffered a weekend of heavy snowfall with many transport routes affected. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 21: Snow covers the Guards Memorial on January 21, 2013 in London, England. The United Kingdom has suffered a weekend of heavy snowfall with many transport routes affected. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

People building a snowman in St James Park, central London.

Snow covers the ground around Raby Castle in County Durham, as the winter weather continued across the UK.

A man clears snow from his driveway in Spennymore in County Durham today after heavy snowfall as the winter weather continued across the UK.

A man asleep on chairs at Terminal 5, Heathrow Airport as the winter weather continued across the UK.

An arrivals board at Terminal 5, Heathrow Airport showing some delayed and cancelled flights as the winter weather continued across the UK.

People battle through the blizzards in Spennymore in County Durham today after heavy snowfall as the winter weather continued across the UK.

People battle through the blizzards in Spennymore in County Durham today after heavy snowfall as the winter weather continued across the UK.

A British Airways plane at Terminal 5, Heathrow Airport is worked on as the winter weather continued across the UK.

Snow covers the ground around Raby Castle in County Durham, as the winter weather continued across the UK.

Snow covers the ground around Raby Castle in County Durham, as the winter weather continued across the UK.

Snow covers the ground around Raby Castle in County Durham, as the winter weather continued across the UK.

Snow covered boats on the canal in Nottingham, as the winter weather continued across the UK.

Snow covers the grounds around Raby Castle in County Durham, as the winter weather continued across the UK.

People battle through the blizzards in Spennymore in County Durham after heavy snowfall as the winter weather continued across the UK.

Sledgers walk back up the frosty hill, muddy after the effects of sledgers and thrill seekers in Arnos Park, Bristol.

A man uses a snow shovel to clear snow from a road in Greenfield near Oldham, as the winter weather continued across the UK.

A woman walks in the road to avoid slipping on snow covered pavements in Greenfield near Oldham, as the winter weather continued across the UK.

A train makes its way past snow covered ground in Greenfield near Oldham, as the winter weather continued across the UK.

Snow clearing equipment is used at Heathrow Airport to clear road and taxiways, as the worldÕs busiest two-runway airport, has defended itself after cancelling 260 flights today, 20\% of its usual schedule.

A man uses a snow shovel to clear snow from a road in Greenfield near Oldham, as the winter weather continued across the UK.

General view of A50 Motorway in Derbyshire, as the winter weather continued across the UK.

Daniel Millington enjoys the snow at Darley Park, Derby as the winter weather continued across the UK.

Two people on their way to Darley Park, Derby as the winter weather continued across the UK.

General view of someone walking with a dog at Darley Park, Derby, as the winter weather continued across the UK.

The entrance to a school in Derby forced to shut as the winter weather continued across the UK.

Isabella Askham enjoys the snow at Darley Park, Derby, as the winter weather continued across the UK.

General view of a man with two dogs at Darley Park, Derby, as the winter weather continued across the UK.

Isabella Askham and brother Oliver enjoy the snow at Darley Park, Derby as the winter weather continued across the UK.

A cyclist next to the River Chelmer in Springfield, Chelmsford as the winter weather continued across the UK.

A woman (name not given) takes her sons Leon, four, and Joshua, nine, to school next to the River Chelmer in Springfield, Chelmsford as the winter weather continued across the UK.

Twin sisters Maddie (left) and Grace Wilson put the finishing touches to their snowman in Long Eaton, Nottinghamshire. Thousands of children got an extra day off, as schools remained closed, and the winter weather continued across the UK.

Dog walkers next to the River Chelmer in Springfield, Chelmsford as the winter weather continued across the UK.

A cyclist next to the River Chelmer in Springfield, Chelmsford as the winter weather continued across the UK.

A woman (name not given) takes her son Leon, four, to school by sledge next to the River Chelmer in Springfield, Chelmsford as the winter weather continued across the UK.

A woman walks her dog next to the River Chelmer in Springfield, Chelmsford as the winter weather continued across the UK.

A walker next to the River Chelmer in Springfield, Chelmsford as the winter weather continued across the UK.

A woman (name not given) takes her sons Leon, four, and Joshua, nine, to school next to the River Chelmer in Springfield, Chelmsford as the winter weather continued across the UK.

A man uses a shovel to clear a street in Barnard Castle as the winter weather continued across the UK.

A man uses a shovel to clear a street in Barnard Castle as the winter weather continued across the UK.

A man takes a stroll in the snow in Barnard Castle as the winter weather continued across the UK.

Two woman walk on the snow covered streets of Barnard Castle in County Durham, as the winter weather continued across the UK.

A cyclist uses a snow covered cycle path in Bristol, as snow shut roads and disrupted train travel today but the major commuter belt areas of southern England escaped the worst of the morning hazards.

Two woman walk on the snow covered streets of Barnard Castle in County Durham, as the winter weather continued across the UK.

A woman and her son play in the snow in the grounds of Raby Castle in County Durham, as the winter weather continued across the UK.

A woman walks on the snow covered streets of Barnard Castle in County Durham, as the winter weather continued across the UK.

Snow ploughs clearing the snow at Heathrow Airport.

A woman wears Union Flag ear muffs as she crosses a bridge as heavy snow falls in London.

Two snow ploughs try and clear the A66 at Durham after it was closed as the winter weather continued across the UK.

A snow ploughs tries to clear the A66 at Durham after it was closed as the winter weather continued across the UK.

Two snow ploughs try and clear the A66 at Durham after it was closed as the winter weather continued across the UK.

A snow ploughs tries to clear the A66 at Durham after it was closed as the winter weather continued across the UK.

African penguins in the snowy cold conditions at Bristol Zoo Gardens, in Bristol, where snow fell over the weekend.

A red panda climbs around a snow covered tree at Bristol Zoo Gardens, in Bristol where snow fell over the weekend.

A man jogs along Albert Embankment as heavy snow falls in London.

Planes wait on the runway at Gatwick Airport, as Britains transport network began to buckle today as heavy snow swept the UK.

Snow ploughs at Gatwick Airport clear the runway, airfield and surrounding areas to keep the airport open, as Britains transport network began to buckle today as heavy snow swept the UK.

Planes parked up at Gatwick Airport, as Britains transport network began to buckle today as heavy snow swept the UK.

Snow ploughs at Gatwick Airport clear the runway, airfield and surrounding areas to keep the airport open, as Britains transport network began to buckle today as heavy snow swept the UK.

Snow ploughs at Gatwick Airport clear the runway, airfield and surrounding areas to keep the airport open, as Britains transport network began to buckle today as heavy snow swept the UK.

Planes wait on the runway at Gatwick Airport, as Britains transport network began to buckle today as heavy snow swept the UK.

A Virgin plane is de-iced at Gatwick Airport, as Britains transport network began to buckle today as heavy snow swept the UK.

Victoria Park in Totterdown where snow has been falling overnight in Bristol and continues to fall across the city and Westcountry.

A Metropolitan Police officer on duty outside Buckingham Palace in central London, as snow began to move across southern England.

A snow leopard in the snow at Twycross Zoo, Leicestershire.

Bactrian camel in the snow at Twycross Zoo, Leicestershire.

A meerkat in the snow at Twycross Zoo, Leicestershire.

A visitor in the snow at Twycross Zoo, Leicestershire.

Mango the five year old Cocker Spaniel enjoying the snow in Victoria Park, Totterdown, Bristol where snow has been falling overnight and continues to fall.

A woman and child playing with snow from cars on a residential street in Bristol where snow has been falling overnight and continues to fall.

A worker clears the path inside the childrens play area in Victoria Park, Totterdown, Bristol where snow has been falling overnight and continues to fall.

A British Airways worker clears snow on a stand at Terminal 5 of Heathrow Airport, as BritainÕs transport network began to buckle today as heavy snow swept the UK.

A plane sits on the runway at Heathrow airport, as BritainÕs transport network began to buckle today as heavy snow swept the UK.

People have fun sledging in Victoria Park, Totterdown, Bristol where snow has been falling overnight and continues to fall.

Sam Davies, nine, throws a snow ball as he makes the most of a snow day in Worcester, as BritainÕs transport network began to buckle today as heavy snow swept the UK.

Mango the five year old Cocker Spaniel enjoying the snow in Victoria Park, Totterdown, Bristol where snow has been falling overnight and continues to fall.

A person carries shopping bags across white residential streets in Bristol where snow has been falling overnight and continues to fall.

People have fun sledging in Victoria Park, Totterdown, Bristol where snow has been falling overnight and continues to fall.

People have fun sledging in Victoria Park, Totterdown, Bristol where snow has been falling overnight and continues to fall.

People have fun sledging in Victoria Park, Totterdown, Bristol where snow has been falling overnight and continues to fall.

A man clears snow from a car on a Totterdown residential street in Bristol where snow has been falling overnight and continues to fall.

Rooftops turn white in Bristol where snow has been falling overnight and continues to fall.

Trees turn covered in snow in Bristol where a blanket of snow fell overnight and continues to fall across the city and Westcountry.

Calderstones Park covered in snow, in Merseyside.

Only cyclists brave the freshly powdered residential streets in Bristol where snow has been falling overnight and continues to fall.

People take a walk in Victoria Park, Totterdown, Bristol where snow has been falling overnight and continues to fall.

Calderstones Park covered in snow, in Merseyside.

Victoria Park in Totterdown becomes a playground for children and adults as a blanket of snow fell overnight in Bristol and continues to fall across the city and Westcountry.

James Sledge and his son Buster from Totterdown have fun sledging in Victoria Park, Totterdown, Bristol where snow has been falling overnight and continues to fall.

A Royal Mail employee delivers mail in the heavy snow in Aigburth, Merseyside.

A Royal Mail employee delivers mail in the heavy snow in Aigburth, Merseyside.

Anthony Gormley's Another Place covered in snow on Crosby Beach, Merseyside.

Calderstones Park covered in snow, in Merseyside.

Anthony Gormley's Another Place covered in snow on Crosby Beach, Merseyside.

Anthony Gormley's Another Place covered in snow on Crosby Beach, Merseyside.

A Royal Mail employee delivers mail in the heavy snow in Aigburth, Merseyside.

A man checks the size of the icicles at Gibson's Cave in Teesdale today as temperatures have reached -5.

Horses in a snow covered field in the outskirts of Durham today, as the sun rises over County Durham.

A man checks the size of the icicles at Gibson's Cave in Teesdale today as temperatures have reached -5.

Footprints in the snow covered streets of Llanelli, Wales.

A general view of a snow covered Llanelli, Wales.

A general view of a snow covered Llanelli, Wales.

A general view of a snow covered Llanelli, Wales.

Snow covered train tracks in Llanelli, Wales.

Footprints in the snow covered streets of Llanelli, Wales.

A man checks the size of the icicles at Gibson's Cave in Teesdale today as temperatures have reached -5.

A man checks the size of the icicles at Gibson's Cave in Teesdale today as temperatures have reached -5.

Bactrian camel in the snow at Twycross Zoo, Leicestershire.

A robin in the snow at Twycross Zoo, Leicestershire.

A meerkat in the snow at Twycross Zoo, Leicestershire.

BATH, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 18: Bathers enjoy the rooftop pool at the Thermae Bath Spa as the snow continues to fall on January 18, 2013 in Bath, England. Heavy snow is bringing widespread disruption to many parts of the UK. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

BATH, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 18: A bather looks at the view from the rooftop pool at the Thermae Bath Spa as the snow continues to fall on January 18, 2013 in Bath, England. Heavy snow is bringing widespread disruption to many parts of the UK. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 18: Cyclists brave the snow in Hyde Park on January 18, 2013 in London, England. Severe weather is expected in parts of the United Kingdom today. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

BATH, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 18: Bathers enjoy the rooftop pool at the Thermae Bath Spa as the snow continues to fall on January 18, 2013 in Bath, England. Heavy snow is bringing widespread disruption to many parts of the UK. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

BATH, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 18: A woman looks at snow covered cars just off the A367 between Bath and Peasedown St John on January 18, 2013 near Bath, England. Heavy snow is bringing widespread disruption to many parts of the UK. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 18: A woman walks to work through Hyde Park as snow dusts the ground on January 18, 2013 in London, England. Severe weather is expected in parts of the United Kingdom today. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 18: A jogger runs through Hyde Park as snow dusts the ground on January 18, 2013 in London, England. Severe weather is expected in parts of the United Kingdom today. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

Heavy snow falls as a train leaves Winchfield Station in south-east England, on January 18, 2013. Heavy snow is expected to fall across large parts of Britain Friday. AFP PHOTO / ADRIAN DENNIS (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images)

A cyclist uses a snow covered cycle path in Bristol, as snow shut roads and disrupted train travel today but the major commuter belt areas of southern England escaped the worst of the morning hazards.

A woman walks along a snow covered pathway in Bristol, as snow shut roads and disrupted train travel today but the major commuter belt areas of southern England escaped the worst of the morning hazards.

A plane comes in to land at Heathrow airport as the forecast suggests snow will reach the London area later today after snow shut roads and disrupted train travel today in other parts of the UK, but the major commuter belt areas of southern England escaped the worst of the morning hazards.

A plane comes in to land at Heathrow airport as the forecast suggests snow will reach the London area later today after snow shut roads and disrupted train travel today in other parts of the UK, but the major commuter belt areas of southern England escaped the worst of the morning hazards.

People have a snow ball fight in Bristol , as snow shut roads and disrupted train travel today but the major commuter belt areas of southern England escaped the worst of the morning hazards.

People walk over Millennium bridge in Bristol, as snow shut roads and disrupted train travel today but the major commuter belt areas of southern England escaped the worst of the morning hazards.

A woman makes a snow-angel in the snow in Bristol, as snow shut roads and disrupted train travel today but the major commuter belt areas of southern England escaped the worst of the morning hazards.

A cyclist decides it is safer to walk as he walks through snow and ice in Bristol, as snow shut roads and disrupted train travel today but the major commuter belt areas of southern England escaped the worst of the morning hazards.

People walk through Queens Square in Bristol , as snow shut roads and disrupted train travel today but the major commuter belt areas of southern England escaped the worst of the morning hazards.

Snow settles on a man as he walks through Bristol city centre, as snow shut roads and disrupted train travel today but the major commuter belt areas of southern England escaped the worst of the morning hazards.

A cyclist makes his way through the snow near Worcester.

A vehicle turns around at the bottom of a hill in Bristol where snow has been falling overnight and continues to fall.

A woman walks down a hill in Bristol where snow has been falling overnight and continues to fall.

A man walks his dog in Herrington Country park near Sunderland today as the cold snap continues to hit the UK.

A couple walk their dog in Herrington Country park near Sunderland today as the cold snap continues to hit the UK.

Birds land on a frozen lake in Herrington Country park near Sunderland today as the cold snap continues to hit the UK.

A couple walk their dog in Herrington Country park near Sunderland today as the cold snap continues to hit the UK.

Spook Munro walks in the snow after having a cold bath during a photocall at Nevis Range Mountain Experience, near Fort William during the launch of the Fort William Mountain Festival 2013, being staged from Thursday 21 to Sunday 24 February at Fort William.

Spook Munro walks in the snow after having a cold bath during a photocall at Nevis Range Mountain Experience, near Fort William during the launch of the Fort William Mountain Festival 2013, being staged from Thursday 21 to Sunday 24 February at Fort William.

Snow boarder Finn Munro, performs a jump during a photocall at Nevis Range Mountain Experience, near Fort William during the launch of the Fort William Mountain Festival 2013, being staged from Thursday 21 to Sunday 24 February at Fort William.

A man walks his dog in Herrington Country park near Sunderland today as the cold snap continues to hit the UK.

A woman is caught in a heavy snow shower in Pickering, North Yorkshire.

Deer in the snow at Whitworth Hall Country Park, County Durham as the winter weather continues across the UK.

Snow on the ground near in Tyne and Wear.

Snow on the ground near in Tyne and Wear.

Snow on the ground near in Tyne and Wear.

Snow on the ground near in Tyne and Wear.

Snow on the ground near in Tyne and Wear.

Snow on the ground near Sunderland.

Traffic makes its way slowly along the road at the snow covered Hole of Horcum on the North Yorkshire Moors.

A child walking with a sledge at Whitburn Windmill near Sunderland today after heavy snow.

ALTERNATE CROP A child walking with a sledge at Whitburn Windmill near Sunderland today after heavy snow.

A man walks his dog through trees at Washington in Tyne and Wear near Sunderland today after heavy snow.

Two men start their walk at the snow covered Hole of Horcum on the North Yorkshire Moors.

The Sun breaks through the cloud over a snow covered Hole of Horcum on the North Yorkshire Moors.

Two men start their walk at the snow covered Hole of Horcum on the North Yorkshire Moors.

Two men start their walk at the snow covered Hole of Horcum on the North Yorkshire Moors.

Walkers out near Penshaw Monument in Sunderland today after heavy snow.

Sledgers make their way down the side of Penshaw Hill by Penshaw Monument in Sunderland today after heavy snow.

Dog walkers out near Penshaw Monument in Sunderland today after heavy snow.

A dog walker on Penshaw Hill by Penshaw Monument in Sunderland today after heavy snow.

A man pushes a bicycle through the snow as he passes by Kings College Chapel in Cambridge, as snow hit parts of England today with up to 4in (10cm) expected to fall in some areas, prompting fears of travel chaos.

A dog walker on Penshaw Hill by Penshaw Monument in Sunderland today after heavy snow.

A dog walker on Penshaw Hill by Penshaw Monument in Sunderland today after heavy snow.

Penshaw Monument in Sunderland today after heavy snow.

Richard and Samantha Stretton from Newcastle enjoy a walk at the Angel of the North in Gateshead, after heavy snowfall, as the first wave of snow will hit most of the country and some eastern parts of Wales but a second heavier band will fall over central and eastern England later in the day.

People enjoy the snow at the Angel of the North in Gateshead, after heavy snowfall, as the first wave of snow will hit most of the country and some eastern parts of Wales but a second heavier band will fall over central and eastern England later in the day.

A general view of the snow covered Robin Hood statue in Nottingham, as the first wave of snow will hit most of the country and some eastern parts of Wales but a second heavier band will fall over central and eastern England later in the day.

Two women cross a bridge in heavy snow in Durham as the first wave of snow will hit most of the country and some eastern parts of Wales but a second heavier band will fall over central and eastern England later in the day.

Stirling council road foreman Brian Zarebski, has his gritting lorryreloaded with rocksalt at the council depot in Stirling as he prepares to grit roads in the Stirling area.

Stirling council road foreman Brian Zarebski, shovels rocksalts as he waits to have his gritting lorryreloaded with rocksalt at the council depot in Stirling, as he prepares to grit roads in the Stirling area.

A person runs along the River Cam at Grantchester Meadows in Cambridgeshire, as snow hit parts of England today with up to 4in (10cm) expected to fall in some areas, prompting fears of travel chaos.

A general view of in heavy snow in Durham as the first wave of snow will hit most of the country and some eastern parts of Wales but a second heavier band will fall over central and eastern England later in the day.

Heavy snowfalls sweep across York today as a Chinese student at York University (name not given) looks at the snow coming down in Deans Park in York.

Two cyclists cross a bridge in heavy snow in Durham, as the first wave of snow will hit most of the country and some eastern parts of Wales but a second heavier band will fall over central and eastern England later in the day.

A general view of Durham in heavy snow, as the first wave of snow will hit most of the country and some eastern parts of Wales but a second heavier band will fall over central and eastern England later in the day.

A general view of Durham in heavy snow, as the first wave of snow will hit most of the country and some eastern parts of Wales but a second heavier band will fall over central and eastern England later in the day.

A general view of the Nottingham Contemporary art centre, as the first wave of snow will hit most of the country and some eastern parts of Wales but a second heavier band will fall over central and eastern England later in the day.

Heavy snowfalls sweep across York today making all forms of transport uncomfortable.

A British Airways plane is de-iced at Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport as a cold snap hits the UK.

A British Airways plane is de-iced at Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport as a cold snap hits the UK.

A British Airways plane is de-iced at Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport as a cold snap hits the UK.

A couple walk with their boxer dog through a snow dusted Redhouse Park in Birmingham, as the first wave of snow dusted eastern England, with a second heavier band expected to move south and east across the country later.

A couple walk with their boxer dog through a snow dusted Redhouse Park in Birmingham, as the first wave of snow dusted eastern England, with a second heavier band expected to move south and east across the country later.

A man and women walk their dogs as snow falls in Caldecote, Cambridgeshire, as the first wave of snow will hit most of the country and some eastern parts of Wales but a second heavier band will fall over central and eastern England later in the day.

Snow falls in Caldecote, Cambridgeshire, as the first wave of snow will hit most of the country and some eastern parts of Wales but a second heavier band will fall over central and eastern England later in the day.

Snow falls in Caldecote, Cambridgeshire, as the first wave of snow will hit most of the country and some eastern parts of Wales but a second heavier band will fall over central and eastern England later in the day.

A general view of the Old Market Square in Nottingham, as the first wave of snow will hit most of the country and some eastern parts of Wales but a second heavier band will fall over central and eastern England later in the day.

A general view outside the Pitcher and Piano in Nottingham, as the first wave of snow will hit most of the country and some eastern parts of Wales but a second heavier band will fall over central and eastern England later in the day.

A car is covered in snow at Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport as a cold snap hits the UK.

A man and women walk their dogs as snow falls in Caldecote, Cambridgeshire, as the first wave of snow will hit most of the country and some eastern parts of Wales but a second heavier band will fall over central and eastern England later in the day.

Daniel and James Egerton play on their sledge in Bingham, Nottinghamshire before school, as the first wave of snow will hit most of the country and some eastern parts of Wales but a second heavier band will fall over central and eastern England later in the day.

Two border collie dogs enjoy playing in the snow in Bingham, Nottinghamshire, as the first wave of snow will hit most of the country and some eastern parts of Wales but a second heavier band will fall over central and eastern England later in the day.

Snow on the high ground of the Yorkshire Wolds at Millington Pastures, near Pocklington, brings a taste of the winter weather and snow that is forecast to effect may areas of the UK in coming days.

Snow on the high ground of the Yorkshire Wolds at Millington Pastures, near Pocklington, gives a walker a taste of the winter weather and snow that is forecast to effect many areas of the UK in coming days.

Snow falls in Caldecote, Cambridgeshire, as the first wave of snow will hit most of the country and some eastern parts of Wales but a second heavier band will fall over central and eastern England later in the day.

Daniel and James Egerton play on their sledge in Bingham, Nottinghamshire before school, as the first wave of snow will hit most of the country and some eastern parts of Wales but a second heavier band will fall over central and eastern England later in the day.

Heavy snow hits areas around Scotland park in the Scottish Borders.

A general view of the Old Market Square in Nottingham, as the first wave of snow will hit most of the country and some eastern parts of Wales but a second heavier band will fall over central and eastern England later in the day.

A general view of the Old Market Square in Nottingham, as the first wave of snow will hit most of the country and some eastern parts of Wales but a second heavier band will fall over central and eastern England later in the day.

Heavy snow hits areas around Scotland as a cyclist heads down a snow covered hill in the Scottish Borders.

Snow on the high ground of the Yorkshire Wolds at Millington Pastures, near Pocklington, gives walkers a taste of the winter weather and snow that is forecast to effect many areas of the UK in coming days.

A snow covered road in the Scottish Borders as heavy snow hits areas around Scotland.

Sheep looking for food in the Scottish Borders as heavy snow hits areas around Scotland.

Walkers in the Scottish Borders as heavy snow hits areas around Scotland.

Heavy snow hits areas around Scotland as a gritting lorry heads down a road in the Scottish Borders.

Heavy snow hits areas around Scotland as a cyclist heads down a snow covered hill in the Scottish Borders.

Heavy snow hits areas around Scotland park in the Scottish Borders.

A man studies the snow covered Freddie Gilroy and the Belsen Stragglers sculpture by Ray Lonsdale in Scarborough as snow hit parts of England today with up to 4in (10cm) expected to fall in some areas, prompting fears of travel chaos.